Explosion proof SOLEXY Ethernet Barrier BXF & BAF Series

Explosion-proof SOLEXY Ethernet Barrier BXF & BAF Series

Solexy’s patented (7,507,105) Explosion-Proof/ intrinsically Safe Ethernet Coupler allows for the transmissions of Ethernet into hazardous areas with a standard RJ45 connector. The Solexy Ethernet coupler creates an intrinsically safe Ethernet connection, allowing a device in a safe area to connect to an appropriately certified (e.g., ATEX, IECEx, Class/Div) Ethernet device located in a hazardous area. The barrier system consists of two models: The BXF is an explosion-proof (Ex d) barrier certified for installation directly within a hazardous area. The BAF is an intrinsically safe (Ex i) barrier designed for installation in the corresponding safe area or within a purged panel system. The BXF is designed for installation into standard threaded entries on most listed explosion-proof housings (USA/Canada, ATEX, or IECEx) without the need of a seal fitting taking up no internal space. The BAF is designed to be used in safe areas directly with any CAT5 or CAT5e cable system. The BAF is also designed to be used with air purge panel systems. A BXF and/or BAF coupler is required on each end of a cable installation for full protection of both the RX and TX lines.

Key Features:

✅ NO SEALING FITTING REQUIRED
BFX couplers are pre-approved for hazardous locations and can be installed with a simple wrench and no potting compounds. Eliminates the need for costly seal fittings, and reduces the chance of error associated with the field-installed sealing practices.

✅ CORROSION-RESISTANT
The BXF series, made from 300 series stainless, protects the fitting from corrosive environments, sealing fittings are typically constructed of aluminum or galvanized steel, neither being well conventional sealing methods.

✅ ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
All required circuitry is recessed into the fitting and encapsulated against harsh environments; this is impossible with conventional sealing methods.

✅ INTERCHANGEABILITY
Ethernet cables can be Hot Connected or Disconnected without powering down the system. This is critical for temporary connections such as PLC or VFD programming.

✅ INDUSTRIAL M12 "D" CONNECTION
With this secure weatherproof industrial connection, cable installation and removal can be accomplished without removing power.

Specifications:

ATEX CERTIFICATION
nr. TUV CY 18ATEX 0206141X

BAF

BXF3S & BXFMS

I (M1) [Ex ia Ma] I
II (1)G [Ex ia Ga] IIC
II (1)D [Ex ia Da] IIIC

Standard Ref.

EN 60079-0, EN 60079-1, EN 60079-11, EN 60079-18

IECEx certification nr. IECEx MSC 18.0014X

BAF

BXF3S & BXFMS

Ex ia Ma] I
[Ex ia Ga] IIC
[Ex ia Da] IIIC

Ex db mb [Ia Ma] I Mb
Ex db mb [ia Ga] IIC T5…T4 Gb
Ex mb [ia Da] IIIC T100°C…T135°C Db

Standard Ref.

EC 60079-0, IEC 60079-1, IEC 60079-11, IEC 60079-18

USA & Canada certification
cQPSus nr. LR1504

BAF

BXF3S & BXFMS

Associated Apparatus for installation
in non-hazardous location provides
I.S. output for:
Class I, Division 1, Groups ABCD
Class II, Division 1 Groups EFG
[Ex ia Ga] IIC
[Ex ia Da] IIIC

Class I, Division 1 Groups ABCD
Class II, Division 1 Groups EFG
Associated Apparatus, provides I.S. output for:
Class I, Division 1 Groups ABCD,
Class II, Division 1 Groups EFG
Class I, Zone 1, AEx db mb [ia Ga] IIC T5…T4 Gb
Zone 21, AEx mb [ia Ga] IIC T5…T4 Gb
Ex mb [ia Da] IIIC T100°C…T135°C Db

Standard Ref.

The BAF & BXF provide a NEMA 4X connection

CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0 UL 60079-0 CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-1 UL 60079-1 CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-11 UL 60079-11 CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-18 UL 60079-18 CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1 UL 60950-1 CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 25-17 UL 1203 CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 94.2-15 UL 50E NEMA 250-2014 CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 30-M1986

Current Protection

50 mA

Maximum Fault Voltage

RMS 250 V

Insertion loss

(-5.5 dB)

Total impedance

< 100 Ohm

Protection

3.6 V

Ambient Temperature Range

(-40°C (-40°F) to +85°C (+185°F) (T4)
-40°C (-40°F) to +60°C (+140°F) (T5))

Ethernet connection

IEEE 802.3 - 100BaseTX - 100 Mbps (not suitable for POE connection)

Data connector
(HazLoc external side)

M12 Industrial “D” coded connector

Housing Material

BXF = 300 SST (approximate weight 0,38 kg(0.83 lb))
BAF = T6 Aluminum nickel plated (approximate weight 0,2 kg (0.44 lb))

Applications:

🔹 Establishing secure network connections in Oil & Gas refineries and offshore platforms.

🔹 Integrating Ethernet-based control systems in chemical processing plants.

🔹 Networking monitoring equipment in mining operations and dusty environments.

🔹 Connecting devices in pharmaceutical manufacturing clean rooms with hazardous zones.

🔹 Providing reliable data links for PLCs, VFDs, and other industrial automation hardware in classified locations.

FAQs:

What is the difference between the SOLEXY BXF and BAF models?

The primary difference lies in their intended installation area. The BXF model is an explosion-proof and intrinsically safe barrier certified for direct installation in hazardous areas (e.g., Class I, Division 1). The BAF model is an intrinsically safe barrier designed for installation in safe areas or within purged panel systems, providing protection for Ethernet lines extending into hazardous zones.

Do I need a separate sealing fitting when installing the BXF Ethernet Barrier?

No, a sealing fitting is not required. The BXF couplers are pre-approved for hazardous locations and are designed to be installed with a simple wrench. This feature eliminates the need for costly and error-prone field-installed sealing fittings and potting compounds.

Can I connect or disconnect an Ethernet cable from the barrier while the system is powered on?

Yes, the couplers support "Hot Connecting" and "Hot Disconnecting." Ethernet cables can be safely connected or removed without powering down the entire system. This is especially useful for temporary connections, such as programming PLCs or VFDs in the field.